1. Ethos:
The Bristol Corinthians League aspires for all teams playing within it to adhere to the ‘Corinthian Spirit.’ Trying to win is perfectly fine, but trying to win by any means necessary is not. In our league the spirit in which the game is played is more important than the result.
- All games should be played in a friendly manner, with a spirit of co-operation between teams. Sportsmanship and good conduct of players and officials are the most highly prized commodities in our league. Players should behave courteously and with good humour towards one another and officials at all times.
- Physical, sexual, racist, sexist or homophobic abuse of opponents and officials is completely unacceptable.
- Violent conduct towards opponents or officials is also completely unacceptable. Players should be in control of themselves at all times, never risking the safety of an opponent through a reckless action during the game.
- If an individual within a team is unable to adhere to these principles it is the responsibility of the manager to deal appropriately with that individual. This could mean a temporary substitution to allow the player to calm down, or a complete removal from the game if necessary.
- Referees and match officials should be treated with the highest degree of respect. Decisions should be accepted without complaint. Officiating a BCL game should be a pleasure for any official, not a chore.
- If a foul is committed then the offending player should always offer an apology to their opponent.
- A list of red line offences will be issued by the committee at the start of each season (see appendix 1). If a team are proven through an independent official’s report to have crossed a red line they will be expelled from the league with immediate effect. Subs will not be refundable in this instance. If the case is inconclusive, a warning will be issued and a second complaint during the same season will lead to immediate expulsion.
- In cases where a complaint is made the committee will investigate and judge each case on its merits in terms of what action is taken.
2. Players:
- All players must be aged 35 years and over. (45 years and over in the over 45’s league, 50 and over in the 50’s league)
- Players aged between 30 and 35 (40 and 45 in the over 45’s/45 and 50 in the over 50’s) are permissible, up to a maximum of 2 within a team’s matchday squad.
- Players under 30 (under 40 in the over 45’s/45 in the over 50’s) are only allowed in exceptional circumstances such as:
An under aged goalkeeper is permitted if no other is available.
One son or daughter of a legitimate player per matchday squad is allowed, as the league supports the idea of a parent and their child being able to play in the same team. However, if the youngster is so good that they dominate the game or make a significant difference to the result because of their superior fitness or ability, then the opposition manager can request that they be substituted. If this rule is being invoked the opposition manager MUST be informed beforehand.
If there is no other way for a team to raise an XI then it can be mutually agreed between the two managers to allow younger players. This MUST be agreed before match day, not be presented as a fait accompli on the day.
- As a matter of courtesy, opposition managers MUST be made aware of under aged players before the game kicks off.
- There is no limit to the number of subs or substitutions. Substitutions may be made during a break in play at the referee’s discretion on a roll on/roll off basis.
- Mixed teams of men and women are permitted.
3. Matches:
- Teams are responsible for arranging their own fixtures. Teams must arrange home fixtures at the earliest opportunity, ideally on the date allocated on the league website. Changes from the original fixture schedule can be mutually agreed between two clubs within a designated window of time, which the committee will set when the fixtures are released. After the window has closed, the only reason a fixture may be moved is for a weather-related postponement.
- Weather related postponements should be rearranged at the earliest opportunity, ideally within two weeks of the original fixture, but certainly in the same half of the season.
- Once a fixture is scheduled, then it cannot be rescheduled. If a club pulls out of a fixture or is unable to raise a team on the relevant date, then the opposing team will be awarded a 3-0 walkover.
- Any changes to fixture dates must be notified to the website and to the fixtures secretary via the Whatsapp group.
- All teams must provide the league website with the email address and mobile number for two contacts.
- Home teams must re-confirm with the opposition that the fixture is going ahead ten days before the match.
- All teams must complete a minimum of 4 league games before Christmas.
- Any issues with contacting a particular opponent must be reported to the league at the earliest opportunity.
- Cup fixtures must be completed by the cut off dates set by the league. The League reserves the right to award a walkover where a team has failed to make adequate efforts to play a cup match on time.
- The dates of the cup finals are fixed and cannot be adjusted. If a team cannot make the given date then they are deemed to have forfeited the game.
- Games are preferably to be played on grass. They may be played on artificial pitches if these are of at least 3G standard or above. Teams may refuse to play on old style sand based asrtroturf.
- The cost of hiring a pitch for a match shall, unless otherwise agreed by both teams, be split 50/50, with the away team ensuring they pay their 50% on the day of the game, in cash or by bank transfer.
- In the event of a late cancellation for a game to be played on a pitch paid for in advance, the club responsible for cancelling the game should bear the full cost of the pitch hire.
- Home sides are to provide a referee, both sides are to provide an assistant referee. Home sides should endeavor to provide a neutral referee. Referees fees are to be split equally between the home and away teams.
- Matches are to be 90 minutes in duration, unless otherwise agreed before kick off by the two managers.
- Cup games which end in a draw go straight to penalties, no period of extra time is to be played.
4. Administration:
- All outstanding League subscriptions must be paid by the date agreed at the AGM. Clubs who fail to make this payment by cut-off date will be deemed to have left the League.
- After league expenses have been paid, remaining monies will be paid out in charitable donations, nominated by member clubs.
- All clubs should complete details on the website for the address and postcode of their (main) pitch, home kit colours etc.
- Each club is responsible for obtaining its own insurance cover.
- Home and away teams must report results and match reports to the League via the website as soon as possible after the completion of a fixture and to the managers’ Whatsapp group.
Appendix 1: Red Line Offences.
Red line offences which may lead to immediate expulsion from the league are as follows:
- Physical violence towards an opponent
- Repeated reckless tackling endangering or resulting in injury to an opponent
- Repeated or continual verbal abuse towards match officials
- Repeated or continual verbal abuse towards an opponent
- Refusal to remove a player on the referee’s instruction
- Failure to pay match costs
- Repeated cancellation of fixtures (3 concessions in one season)
- Blatant/persistent use of underage players outside of the father/son rule
